LATEST: €3m in funding announced for future Kildare fire station

Positive news for County Kildare as €3 million in funding has been announced for a future fire station planned for Monasterevin.

The funding forms part of the Fire Services Capital Programme, which was announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD (Fianna Fáil).

In total, this programme is worth €328.5m.

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One local representative who welcomed the news was Independent councillor Pat Balfe, who said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome this announcement for a new build for Monasterevin Fire Station.

"Since my election [in 2024], the condition and facilities at the current station have been a key priority for me.

"Our firefighters provide an essential, life-saving service to the community, and it is only right that they are supported with modern, safe, and fit-for-purpose facilities."

The Monasterevin-based rep continued: "This investment represents real progress and a strong commitment to both our emergency services personnel and the people they serve.

"I will continue to work to ensure this project is delivered as quickly as possible so that Monasterevin gets the fire station it deserves."

He concluded by summing the announcement up as "a proud and important day for our community".

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Another political figure, Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, also welcomed the announcement, adding that it is "long overdue".

Responding to the news, she said: "The issue of a Fire Station for Monasterevin has been coming up since before I entered the Dáil and I’m delighted to have received confirmation that this project is to be funded."

However, despite welcoming the funding, the Kildare town rep also expressed concerns over "wider problems" in relation to public service funding for the Midlands region: "The timeline for completion of this project remains to be confirmed, but that Monasterevin has been without a fire station for so long is symptomatic of a wider neglect of the Midlands region."

She further said: "I am dedicated to continuing to stand up for South Kildare to ensure we get our fair share of vital public services".

Independent Cllr Pat Balfe and Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (File photographs)

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme